Grinnell’s Iowa Access Initiative is a need-based financial aid program dedicated to talented, accomplished students from our home state of Iowa. The initiative makes it possible for all qualified students from Iowa to attain a world-class education without leaving the state. At a minimum, all qualified students receive non-repayable grants for the full cost of tuition and fees. To be eligible for the Iowa Access Initiative, students must:
- Be admitted to Grinnell College.
- Submit a completed application for financial aid by the appropriate deadline.
- Have a total annual family income below $100,000 and limited assets.*
- Graduate from an Iowa high school after Jan. 1, 2018.
- Enroll as a first-time, full-time undergraduate student.
Beyond grant assistance for tuition and fees, students may be eligible for additional financial aid, depending upon their family’s demonstrated financial need.
Grinnell continues to meet the full demonstrated need of any student admitted to the College (even those who do not qualify for the initiative) through a combination of grants, scholarships, and student employment. Grinnell determines a student’s financial need through a careful, individual assessment of each family’s financial aid application.
*Final eligibility is determined through a comprehensive assessment of family income and assets.
How do I apply for the Iowa Access Initiative? Who determines my eligibility?
Follow the standard application process for need-based financial aid. In addition to the FAFSA, applicants should submit the CSS Profile, parent tax returns and W-2s, and a CSS Profile for their noncustodial parent (if applicable). The Office of Financial Aid will review application materials to determine eligibility for the initiative. For full consideration, be sure to meet all financial aid deadlines.
What if I don’t live in Iowa or don’t meet the income requirements?
Grinnell is one of less than 2 percent of colleges and universities in the United States (and the only one in Iowa) that will meet the full demonstrated financial need of all enrolled students through a combination of scholarships, grants, and student employment. This makes a Grinnell education accessible to all students, regardless of where they live.
We know there are many exceptional students in Iowa who may not be eligible for need-based financial aid but who deserve a scholarship to honor their achievements. For these students, Grinnell College provides merit scholarships of at least $20,000, which are renewed for eight total semesters of enrollment. For more information regarding merit scholarships at Grinnell, visit our website.
We’re here to provide free, confidential financial aid counseling to all interested applicants. Our staff will review your family's circumstances and provide you with a financial aid offer that meets the difference between the cost of attending Grinnell and the amount our office determines your family can contribute.
How is eligibility determined?
Grinnell considers taxable and some untaxed sources of income. This includes components of the adjusted gross income (AGI) such as wages, interest, dividends, business income, and retirement withdrawals, as well as untaxed income (e.g., pretax contributions to retirement, child support, living allowances, and untaxed retirement distributions). Assets such as cash, savings and checking accounts, investments, businesses, farms, and real estate are also considered. For students whose parents are not married to each other and do not live together, Grinnell will consider both parents' finances.
If I am eligible for the Iowa Access Initiative, what will be included in my financial aid offer?
At a minimum, qualifying students will receive grants and scholarships totaling the full cost of tuition and fees. Some students will be eligible to receive more financial aid to assist with the costs of housing and food. Grants and scholarships may include funds from the College or state and federal government programs. The Office of Financial Aid will review each application to determine eligibility for additional financial assistance and develop a financial aid offer that includes a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study.
Do I need to apply for financial aid each year?
Yes, every student selected for the Iowa Access Initiative must reapply for financial assistance every year. In most cases, students with similar financial circumstances from one year to the next receive similar financial aid each year. Grinnell is committed to providing a consistent aid package for up to eight semesters, but need-based aid must be renewed on a yearly basis and is not automatic. We will remind you when it is time to complete financial aid forms in future years. If your family experiences significant changes in circumstances, need-based financial aid eligibility may change accordingly.
What is “demonstrated financial need”?
Demonstrated financial need is the cost of attending Grinnell minus how much your family is expected to contribute toward your education. Simply stated, we give every student enough financial aid to cover the amount that their family should need as determined by a thorough review of the family’s financial circumstances.
Which year’s income will Grinnell use to determine my eligibility?
Grinnell uses the income year that is required on the FAFSA and CSS Profile, which is always two years old.
Are Iowa transfer students eligible for the Iowa Access Initiative?
You must be a full-time, incoming first-year student and graduate from an Iowa high school after Jan. 1, 2018, to be eligible for this financial aid program. Please check with our Office of Financial Aid to explore other possibilities.